They're charging people "thousands and thousands" of dollars to perform sacraments the church provides for nominal fees.

A Roman Catholic diocese in California is warning its flock to beware of wolves in priestly clothes.

The Diocese of Stockton sent out an alert over the weekend to other churches to be on the lookout for people “purporting to be Spanish-speaking Catholic bishops and priests” who charge “exorbitant fees for celebrating the sacraments, teaching classes, and issuing certificates.”

“These imposters are misappropriating the identities of genuine priests in Mexico and conducting unauthorized celebrations of baptism, confirmation, First Communion, and house blessings under false pretenses,” the diocese said in a news release.

  • CatZoomies@lemmy.worldEnglish
    141·
    9 months ago

    So unfortunate that these scams happen all the time, and it’s shocking that we’re still seeing it today.

    I remember the huge scandal back in the 90’s about this. Kent Brockman covered the exclusive story:

    “Police say the fake Pope can be easily recognized by his high-top sneakers and incredibly foul mouth.”